Cultures converge at Catasauqua deli

July 29, 2013|By Ryan Kneller

What do you get when a Polish-born woman and her Italian-American husband decide to open a deli? The Poletalian Deli, of course! No, seriously.

Husband and wife Steve and Edyta Masone of Whitehall Township held a grand opening of their Polish/Italian deli in Catasauqua on Monday, July 22. The business at 18 W. Race St. (above Catty Beverage) is the former space of Clifford Hummer Draperies.

“It’s an interesting combination,” said South Whitehall Township resident Teri Madison while savoring tomatoes and mozzarella during the business’ grand opening. “There are not many mom-and-pop delis around anymore, so it’s a welcome addition.”

True to its name, The Poletalian Deli features a mixture of imported Italian meats such as capicola, pepperoni and sopressata, and imported Polish meats such as gypsy-style bacon, kielbasa and liver sausage. Homemade sides include coleslaw, potato salad and four-bean salad. There are also shelves of other imported Italian and Polish products, including pastas, olive oil, canned tomatoes, seasonings, condiments and candy.

Edyta Masone, who moved to the United States 20 years ago, says the store is a way to connect with her roots.

“Most of this food I ate as a child in Poland,” she said. “I especially like the puffed corn. It’s kind of tasteless, but it melts in your mouth.”

“We’re really emphasizing the Polish side of the store,” Steve Masone said of the larger selection of Polish goods. “I’m Italian by ancestry, but she was born in Poland. The hoagies are definitely my flair though.”

Made-to-order hoagies include everything from Italian and buffalo chicken to tuna and egg salad. Breakfast sandwiches, made with local farm fresh eggs, are served 8-10 a.m.

The couple, who have been married three years, travel to New York City twice a week to receive the imported items from distributors. The only items coming to them are pierogies, which are delivered from a Chicago-based Polish pierogie company.

“A lot of people around here go to Philadelphia, New York and large cities in New Jersey to get this stuff,” said Edyta Masone. “We’re offering them a much more convenient option.”

The business, which also does party platters, is a true family affair. The couple’s four children — Hannah, Gabrielle, Lucas and Jessica — all help. Info: 610-264-1590 or The Poletalian on Facebook.